Photo courtesy of the MNRF.
Twenty-three New Brunswick firefighters are set to assist in battling the devastating wildfires raging across California. Following a national request from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre on Friday, the firefighters quickly completed their mandatory fitness tests on Sunday afternoon.
“We were asked, our team responded, and they are poised to go as soon as we receive the call,” stated Natural Resources Minister John Herron. “When neighbours are in trouble, you help. I am impressed with everyone’s willingness to step up and how quickly this all came together over the weekend.”
Local businesses have stepped in to support the deployment. J.D. Irving, Limited, with its co-CEO Jim Irving, has offered two planes to transport the firefighters. “Being ready to respond to wildfires is an important part of what we do,” Jim Irving said. “And being a good neighbour is top of the list. We’re always happy to do what we can to help in times of crisis.”
Similarly, Cooke Aquaculture and Ocean Capital have pledged their assistance. John Irving, president of Ocean Capital, remarked, “We have witnessed the tragedy caused by the fires in the Los Angeles area. When called upon, we promptly agreed to help fight the fires. It is our duty to support our neighbours during this challenging time, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Glenn Cooke, CEO of Cooke Aquaculture, added, “Those who serve as first responders are truly heroic. As a New Brunswick family company, we’re honoured to support their commitment to safety and willingness to jump into action to help Californians.”
New Brunswick’s wildfire management branch, known for its highly trained personnel, often collaborates with Atlantic region partners in response to calls from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. “New Brunswick has highly trained and experienced wildland firefighters and overhead personnel, and we are ready to deploy quickly as part of an Atlantic contingent,” explained Troy Adams, the branch director.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre coordinates mutual aid and resource sharing among federal, provincial, and territorial wildland fire management agencies. Last year, New Brunswick dispatched 144 members of its wildfire team across Canada to help in firefighting efforts.
Editor’s note: Ocean Capital is the parent company of Acadia Broadcasting Corporation (owner of this website)
